The following is the a adjudicators report on Kilmihil for 2006. The arks increased by a massive 13 and great credit is due to Mary Downes and her team for tremendous work. Well done to everyone. However as can be seen from the report there are still many areas for improvement and we we wish the committee well in the future.

Tidy Towns Competition 2006

Adjudication Report

Category          B

Mark                230

1. Overall Development Approach

There are many and varied improvements in Kilmihil since this adjudicator last visited some years back. It is also pleasing to note that the competition has the effect of mobilising the community into positive action. You are encouraged to keep this level of commitment as it will bring greater benefits to the village

2.   The Built Environment

Kilmihil has brightened it’s image over the past few years and this is primarily due to the fact that a vibrant array of  colours have been applied to both the older existing houses, refurbished and newly constructed premises as well.

The focal point of the village, the Community Hall and Library are set off in a nice cobbled lock base and it is very pleasing to see the the War of Independence Memorial has been incorporated into the whole development.

There is a lot of construction work ongoing at the moment, hence the poor surface of the main street and the link roads out of it. When this is eventually rectified it will make a big difference to Kilmihil

The following deserve mention for the manner in which they have kept premises; Power’s Pharmacy, Fergus Credit Union and D. McNamara Pub who have retained the old sign but a pity about the white PVC windows. The church and grounds were in good condition and the new National School with its practical grounds were also admired. Congratulations to those who have responsibility for maintaining them.

There were a number of town houses being built in the village and these are fitting in well with what exists at present. The problem of dereliction is similar to many similar sized villages and very much a sensitive issue in such a tightly knit community, so one hopes that you have success in addressing it.

 Landscaping

Trees are important plants in any village and in this adjudicators opinion the Village is rather bereft of trees. Maybe it would be a good idea to get some advice from the village planning section within Clare County Council to see if the core area would benefit from such planting.

There were a number of nice planting arrangements to be viewed particularly opposite the well appointed funeral parlour, at the Meadow and at the wonderful and tranquil St. Michael’s Shrine with its most unusual Stations of the Cross.

The picnic area on the way to Ennis is a very well designed amenity but it could benefit by being populated by more appropriate shrubs and perennials.

These were supplemented by colourful planters and hanging baskets in the centre of the village.

Wildlife and Natural Amenities

The school project was noted and this is an excellent way of developing further projects in this category.

Normal planting will help sustain the wildlife that presently exists in the immediate area.

The committee needs to give ongoing advice and encouragement to the schoolchildren so as to stir their creativity which will result in more projects.

 Litter Control

Ay good standard has been set and the village, on a weekend day, was virtually litter free. The retention of the Green Flag by the National School is very noteworthy and indeed very important as it ensures that these youngsters will spread the message of good litter control among peers and even older siblings.

 Waste Minimisation

Some excellent initiatives in this category. The committee has bought into the concept of better waste management and this has resulted in a joint approach with the school.

Keep the momentum up and do consult your Race Against Waste publication at intervals for new ideas.

 Tidiness

There were a number of messy back areas especially on link roads such as from Church Street on back road to Doonbeg Road. It is important for the committee to encourage people to tidy up both side and back area of properties.

The amount of construction work ongoing has led to some poor road surfaces, broken footpaths and slightly untidy sites, but this will be rectified in due course.

 Residential Areas

St. Michael’s Place residents have made major improvements to the estate by ensuring the green area is well maintained and that the existing planting arrangements are tended on a regular basis. The bridge was admired for simplicity of design.

The Meadows sheltered housing complex is an example of modern architectural design in tune with the existing fabric of the village. The landscape feature with its beautiful fountain is one of the best of its kind that this adjudicator has observed to date.

The newer developments such as on the Glenmore Road and Croi na MBaile are very much in Keeping with what one expects in small rural villages in terms of size and design.

 Roads, Streets and Back Areas

The main entrances to the village were acceptable but not helped by the poor road surfaces. The signs and nameplates were visible and clean which is basic but effective. The link roads were in poor condition especially the connecting road from the back of the church on to the Doonbeg Road and this had a number of very untidy back areas as well.

No doubt the committee will be endeavouring ton influence the County Council to have these roads resurfaced as soon as feasibly possible.

 General Impression

The improvements to date have been impressive and the committee is to be commended for tackling a number of contentious issues.

We wish you well with your work plan and look forward to visiting Kilmihil again in the near future.